Scully's behavior deserves reprimand
Staff Editorial
Last Thursday's Mass for missing Notre Dame student Chad Sharon was an emotional event for the Sharon family, the men of Fisher Hall and the entire University community. But Father Timothy Scully, Notre Dame executive vice president, behaved with excessive emotion when he reportedly confronted a WNDU reporter and her cameraman for parking illegally behind Fisher Hall. His irresponsible behavior at such a significant University event merits a reprimand.
As both a University official and a resident of Fisher Hall, Scully's primary concern that night should have been comforting Sharon's family and friends — not bullying local media out of limited parking spaces behind the dorm. During the six weeks since Sharon's Dec. 12 disappearance, local media have been essential to the effective distribution of information to help the University and local police find Sharon.
Although the Mass in Sharon's honor was a sacred affair, the University established guidelines for media coverage in advance to ensure privacy. Scully confronted the crew from the University-owned NBC affiliate WNDU about a parking issue before the Mass began, but even after the incident, they moved their vehicles and abided by the previously established rules. Local CBS affiliate WSBT probably also would have respected the University's wishes regarding the Mass, but its reporter left without the footage for which she came after Scully confronted her as well. WNDU's cameraman called the incident "disturbing" and claimed that Scully's breath smelled of alcohol.
While it would never be acceptable for the University's third ranking officer to confront the local media in such a way, it is especially embarrassing for Scully to have acted so rudely at such a meaningful event — especially toward those who have been so instrumental in the search for Sharon.
Scully reportedly apologized for both incidents and has contributed a great deal to the Notre Dame community since he became a Holy Cross priest in 1981, including founding the Alliance for Catholic Education and Holy Cross Associates and serves as the chairman of WNDU's board of directors. However, neither his achievements nor his rank excuse his behavior. Scully's actions last Thursday were inappropriate and irresponsible, and the University should acknowledge this by reprimanding him.
All Viewpoint Stories for Saturday, January 25, 2003
